Blue Mesa Dam•Curecanti NRA

00:00     Title
00:15     Montrose Sunflowers
01:10     Blue Mesa Lake
04:15     Blue Mesa Dam
07:05     Pioneer Point
10:45     Hermits Rest
11:43     Fin
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The Curecanti ​National Recreation Area is synonymous with the Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, so it must be experienced when touring the big park. In fact, a visitor must pass through the Curecanti Rec Area in order to access the north rim of Black Canyon Park, which is where some of the best scenic views can be found. Developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas can be found in Curecanti, which is a nice convenience to note when planning a Black Canyon trip. 

There are several scenic viewpoints to be found along SR 92 and the first stop is the Blue Mesa Dam Overlook. This scenic overlook provides unobstructed views of Blue Mesa Dam, Blue Mesa Lake and a very lengthy straight section of Black Canyon that fades out of sight to the west. There is protective fencing along this towering cliff, so the entire family can safely enjoy the views without fear of falling.

Birds of prey and gigantic turkey buzzards ride the strong updrafts that rise from the cool shadows of Black Canyon. On a windy day the gusts can be strong enough to lift a 150 pound person up off the ground, so it is easy to see why the fencing is in place. During my visit the high winds had me going backwards a few times.

The views of Blue Mesa Dam are interesting to see and the picturesque western Rocky Mountain Range landscape extends to the horizon. From the Blue Mesa Dam Overlook, it is easy to notice how this deep Gunnison River gorge is a natural obstacle like no other. Pioneers definitely had to take a very long way around before the Blue Mesa Dam causeway was built.

There are more Black Canyon overlooks along the CR 92 that offer picnic areas and foot trails to creekside fishing spots. Black Canyon must be experienced at least once in a lifetime and the Blue Mesa Dam certainly is the easy way to cross to the other side of the dark abyss!